The Manchester United skipper found himself on the bench for England's last game - a goalless draw away to Slovenia in October - before being brought on on in the 73rd minute for Dele Alli.

Rooney has endured such a mixed start to the season that his future has been questioned at both club and international level. He has struggled to make United's starting line-up following the summer arrivals of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Paul Pogba, although Jose Mourinho has brought him in for their last two games.

And that uncertainty has led to further questions being put to Southgate today, before the England boss confirmed that Rooney will captain the side at Wembley tomorrow night.

When asked whether the 31-year-old would be skipper for the World Cup qualifier against Scotland, Southgate said: "Yes, he is [captaining England against Scotland]," replied Southgate, when briefing the press this morning. "He is an experienced player for a game like this so there was no hesitation."